Page 63 of Oblivion

“The loft is spacious and takes up half of the fourth floor. Open planned living, with two bedrooms upstairs on a mezzanine level. There’s an outdoor terrace attached to the living area, and a separate toilet and bath. Boasting exposed plumbing and the original industrial lighting fixtures, it—”

“Okay, Dante, you’ve proved your point,” Jackson said, through a poorly concealed laugh.

“But I was on a roll,” I deadpanned.

He chuckled and shook his head. “Paul, Penelope, while Dante and I didn’t discuss this earlier…” He gave me a dirty look. “It does sound like a feasible optionifyou are all happy with the change of plan, and of course, the living situation.”

Penny’s expression openly implored her father to take the consideration seriously.

“Please, Daddy, I don’t want to go to Virginia. I want to stay here.”

“Wouldn’t it be easier going to a new place so you aren’t tempted to go out? There’s always a risk that whoever took you could strike again.”

“Not happening,” I said gruffly.Not on my watch.

Paul glared as if I was a royal pain in his ass. I didn’t give a fuck. Penny and I were the ones who had to live in this situation, so his opinion didn’t matter as far as I was concerned.

Penny set her jaw. “I want to stay with Dante. I don’t care that you’ve given me leave from work, or that I can’t go out whenever I want. If I’m on lockdown, I’d rather do that here than in Virginia. You can’t just tear me from my life and expect me to be okay with it.”

Fuck, I actually felt a little bad for her pleading her case with a sheen of tears filling her pretty blue eyes.

“Bunny.”

That one word sickened me. I hated that he called her that. It seemed slimy and forced coming from his mouth, and not like an endearment at all.

Penny became irritated. “Stop trying to micromanage me. I don’t live at home anymore, and I deserve to get a say in this.”

I opened my palms and arched one eyebrow. She had a point.

Paul scrubbed a hand through his hair, visibly frustrated that she was putting up resistance. I got the impression he was used to getting his own way.

“You know what? Fine. Move into Dante’s place, but I have the right to conduct spot inspections anytime I want.”

I scoffed. “Not happening. If you want to visit, you prior arrange it through me.”

Penny’s father looked like he was about to combust, all red-faced and grinding teeth. Luckily, Jackson remained a neutral presence in the room, and moved the conversation along before things got heated.

“Okay, so, Dante and Penny, are you both sure you’re happy with the change?”

“Yes,” we said in unison.

Jackson shifted his attention. “Paul?”

He huffed, then reneged with a dismissive wave of his hand. “Yes, fine. As long as she’s kept secure.”

I pursed my lips briefly. “I won’t be treating her like a prisoner, but her safety is paramount. Obviously.”Disregarding Paul’s scowl, I focused solely on Penny. “Where are your things, Penelope?”

She worried her bottom lip. “At home. Don’t suppose you’d consider moving in there?”

“Not a fucking chance,” I declared, not at all sorry for my outburst. “You were literally taken from your bedroom. He knows where you live. On that note, is Vivi now living there alone?”

Jackson and Paul’s interest piqued at my apparent familiarity with Vivi. I ignored their curious stares and focused on Penny’s reply.

“No, her brother moved in while I was missing, so I’m assuming he’ll stay for longer now. The locks got changed, and the landlord installed a gate alarm and window security locks.”

I hummed. “It’s a start. And I’m glad she’s got company. So, you’ve got a new set of keys?”

Penny nodded. “Vivi gave me a spare last night.”

---